Can I Eat Turkey Bacon on Optavia? A Complete Guide for Dieters

Optavia is one of the most popular diet plans out there, providing pre-packaged meals and coaching to help people lose weight. But for bacon lovers, one question always comes up – can I eat turkey bacon on Optavia? The short answer is yes, you can definitely eat turkey bacon while following the Optavia program.

Turkey bacon offers a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon containing fewer calories, less fat and more protein. While pork bacon is restricted on Optavia, turkey bacon can fit into a balanced Optavia meal plan when consumed in moderation. Read on for a complete guide to turkey bacon on Optavia.

What is Optavia and How Does it Work?

Optavia is a commercial weight loss program that offers nutritionally balanced pre-packaged meals, called “Fuelings”, which make up the bulk of what you’ll be eating. The Fuelings contain high protein and low carbohydrates.

The most popular Optavia plan is the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan. On this plan, you eat six small meals per day, with five of them being Fuelings and the sixth being a “Lean and Green” meal prepared yourself with lean protein and vegetables.

Optavia also connects clients with personal health coaches to provide motivation and accountability. Coaches give advice, help develop healthy habits, and offer digital support through an app.

The goal of Optavia is to reduce calories to promote weight loss It emphasizes low fat, low sugar, and low sodium options. The pre-packaged Fuelings simplify calorie control

Can You Eat Turkey Bacon on Optavia?

Yes, turkey bacon is allowed on the Optavia diet in moderation. While bacon is restricted for its high fat content, turkey bacon can fit into your meal plan as an occasional treat.

Turkey bacon is made from ground turkey rather than pork, so it’s lower in calories, fat, and sodium than regular bacon A serving of turkey bacon can provide extra protein to help you feel satisfied

When shopping for turkey bacon, look for nitrate-free options without added sugars or preservatives. Be mindful of sodium content, as even turkey bacon is high in salt.

For the best results on Optavia, limit turkey bacon to once or twice a week. Portion control is key – stick to one or two slices per serving.

Nutritional Profile of Turkey Bacon

To understand how turkey bacon fits into the Optavia program, let’s look at its nutrition facts compared to pork bacon:

• Calories: Turkey bacon has about 40-60% fewer calories than pork bacon. Two slices of turkey bacon have 60 calories, versus 150 calories in pork.

• Fat: With 5g of fat per serving, turkey bacon has 66% less fat than pork bacon. It’s also much lower in saturated fat.

• Protein: Turkey bacon actually has a bit more protein than pork – about 24g protein per two slices.

• Sodium: Turkey bacon still contains a lot of sodium at about 1,900mg per serving. But it’s lower than the 2,500mg in pork bacon.

• Other Nutrients: Turkey bacon provides minerals like zinc, iron, potassium and B vitamins.

So while not as lean as chicken or fish, turkey bacon has a better nutrition profile than pork for a Optavia diet. The extra protein and nutrients make it a good occasional addition.

How to Fit Turkey Bacon Into Your Optavia Meal Plan

Here are some tips for fitting turkey bacon into your Optavia meal plan:

• Use it in your “Lean and Green” meal – turkey bacon counts as a lean protein. For example, make a turkey BLT with lettuce and tomato.

• Add it to salads and soups for a smoky, salty flavor. Just go easy on any fatty dressing or oils.

• Make turkey bacon bits to use as salad toppers or snacks. Simply bake the bacon until crispy and crumble it up.

• For breakfast, use turkey bacon in an egg white omelet or breakfast sandwich on an Optavia-approved English muffin.

• Try turkey bacon jerky for a grab-and-go protein snack.

• Use it in moderation in recipes like quiches, frittatas or stir fries instead of higher-fat meats.

When using turkey bacon on Optavia, be mindful of portion sizes. Stick to 1-2 slices max per serving. And limit yourself to only having it once or twice a week for the biggest health benefits.

Optavia-Approved Ways to Flavor Turkey Bacon

To add lots of flavor to turkey bacon without compromising your Optavia diet, try these seasonings and sauces:

• Spices: Rub or sprinkle turkey bacon with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, sage, and thyme.

• Mustard: Yellow mustard adds tang without any sugar. Opt for mustard over ketchup or BBQ sauce.

• Hot sauce: Add a dash of hot sauce for spicy flavor. Tabasco-style sauces have minimal carbs and sugar.

• Vinegars: Balsamic, apple cider, red wine, rice vinegar, and flavored white wine vinegars offer acidity.

• Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime brightens up turkey bacon. Or use citrus zest.

• Fresh herbs: Rosemary, basil, dill, cilantro, and chives pack fresh flavor.

• Spicy peppers: Sprinkle diced jalapeños, banana peppers, or chili peppers on top.

• Salt-free seasonings: Mrs. Dash, oregano, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder.

With these tasty flavor additions, you can enjoy bold turkey bacon that fits the Optavia program.

Healthier Substitutes for Bacon on Optavia

While turkey bacon is permitted on the Optavia diet in moderation, some people may still prefer to avoid it altogether. Here are some healthier meat substitutes to get that savory, smoky flavor:

• Turkey or chicken sausage with no added sugar – look for pre-cooked links to add to a salad or breakfast sandwich.

• Deli-style turkey or chicken breast – can be heated up for a quick protein.

• Smoked salmon – get pre-packaged slices to fold into an omelet or protein pancake.

• Tempeh bacon – made from fermented soybeans, it’s high protein with a similar texture.

• Shiitake mushroom bacon – roasted shiitake mushrooms mimic the rich umami taste of bacon.

• Eggplant bacon – thinly sliced eggplant baked with spices makes plant-based “bacon”.

• Bacon seasoning – add smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and salt to anything.

With a little creativity, you can create tasty bacon-flavored meals on Optavia without the turkey bacon.

Is Turkey Bacon Healthy? Pros and Cons

While turkey bacon is often viewed as a healthier alternative, there are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Higher in protein than pork bacon

• Lower in saturated fat and calories

• Provides nutrients like zinc, iron, B vitamins

• Doesn’t have added hormones or antibiotics

• More affordable and accessible than niche meat substitutes

Cons:

• Still high in sodium

• Can contain preservatives like sodium nitrite

• Not as lean as plain chicken or fish

• May raise cholesterol levels if consumed in excess

The verdict? In moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, turkey bacon can have a place. But it shouldn’t be treated as an everyday health food.

Can you eat turkey bacon on Optavia? In short – yes, but in moderation. While pork bacon is restricted, turkey bacon can add protein, nutrients, and smoky flavor to the occasional Optavia meal. Stick to 1-2 slices at a time and limit yourself to once or twice per week. Pair it with non-starchy vegetables and go easy on any added fats or sugars. And feel free to substitute healthier alternatives like smoked salmon or turkey sausage too. Used wisely, turkey bacon can be part of a balanced Optavia plan.